Come for a dip in the murky world of the ‘could have been’ and ‘if only’, as we take a look at those actors and actresses who turned down some surprising roles. Hindsight is a beautiful thing, and some of these stars must have been crying all the way to the bank after realising what they missed out on.

Russell Crowe uses the thin veil of circumstance to justify stomping about, shouting in various coats and getting all emotion-chinned in the utterly mad The Next Three Days. According to the posters, it co-stars Liam Neeson. He’s in one scene. Rats, sinking ship, anyone?

Wu Tang supremo RZA is to direct Russell Crowe in a martial arts film. AMAZING.

Director Ridley Scott and leading man Russell Crowe reunite for a thunderous new chapter in the legend of everyone’s favourite 12th century pick-pocketer. Shot with Scott’s typical bombast, this Robin Hood juxtaposes spectacular battle scenes with romantic interludes, political intrigue and melancholic flashbacks, all set to Marc Treitenfeld’s rumbustious score. It’s unabashedly macho and predictable with an inevitable battle cry for Crowe to rally the troops into action: Gladiarcher, if you will. No green tights in sight this time around, but it’s still good fun all the same.

The Ridley Scott Robin Hood movie is coming at us faster than a speeding arrow – it’s less than a month away, people! As if you weren’t excited enough, three new clips from the swashbuckling, Nottingham-based epic have been posted on this thing they call the internet!

Hurrah! It’s the golden event of the cinematic calender, where dreams are crushed, legends are made and celebrities get very, very, inappropriately drunk. What’s not to look forward to?

It turns out hell does have a fury like a woman scorned – a father’s loss. Just ask Liam Neeson in Taken and now Mel Gibson in his new ‘actioner’, Edge of Darkness. After a good few years dedicating himself to his behind the camera endeavours, Gibson returns to his -just this side of sanity- best with Edge of Darkness. Bad guys beware, you went after his daughter, now he’s coming for you!

Flu, the shakes, the shivers, the shimmies, it’s that time of year and we’re all going through it. So maybe stay at home, stick on a DVD and doze yourself to freedom. But beware. In such sensitive fever-based situations, there are films to be avoided. And we’ve got the shortlist right here. Grab your seventh cup of tea, your pyjamas and least damp hankerchief and join us…